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Silversea Cruises has risked causing upset with the guests onboard by changing the docking time for disembarkation day once guests had already boarded, because of a photo opportunity for the ship.

The current 10-night cruise on the newest ship in the fleet, Silver Nova, is due to finish on 15th March 2024, but the ship will now only dock at Fort Lauderdale at 11am, 4 hours after the original docking time.

The reason for this is because Silverseas’ parent company, the Royal Caribbean Group, has made plans for the ship to make a slight diversion so that she can be photographed alongside two other new cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent, are both near the Silver Nova on 13th March and so the decision has been made to set up a shoot so that the three newest ships in their respective fleets can be seen alongside each other.

However, Silversea only announced this to guests once they had already boarded their cruise, acknowledging that some guests may now need to make changes to their travel plans as they may miss flights or other transfers once the cruise ends.

The cruise line has said that any guests who booked their onward travel through Silversea will have the schedules reviewed automatically, and that any changes will be arranged by the cruise line.

For guests who made their own travel arrangements, the cruise line as agreed to reimburse “reasonable” out-of-pocket expenses if they need to change or cancel their travel.

The letter that informed guests of the change did invite guests to the meeting of the ships, welcoming them to stand on the pool deck during the drone photography session.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the British cruise line that offers a range of popular sailings from ports around the UK, has announced some big changes to its smoking policy.

While the cruise line was renowned as being one of the last to still permit guests to smoke on their cruise cabin balconies, that will no longer be permitted from 1st April 2025.

The cruise line has confirmed that this ban will apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any e-cigarettes that emit vapour, including water vapour.

However, e-cigarettes that emit no vapour at all will continue to be allowed both inside cabins and on the balconies, but they are still banned in other areas of the ship that aren’t designated as smoking areas.

It’s not all bad news for smokers as, to help with the transition, the cruise line has confirmed that it is adding more smoking areas to some of the ships in the fleet.

The smoking areas on Borealis before 1st April 2025 are on Deck 8 aft, port side, outside The View Bar and deck 9 forward. After 1st April 2025, it will be Decks 8 and 9 aft on the starboard side, and Deck 9 forward on the starboard side outside the lifts.

On Bolette, the smoking areas are currently Deck 8 aft and Deck 9 forward. After 1st April 2025, they will be Decks 8 and 9 aft on the starboard side, and Deck 9 forward on the starboard side ahead of the retractable roof, under the staircase to Deck 10.

On Balmoral, the smoking areas won’t change, but there are already several options – Deck 7 starboard, Decks 8 and 9 aft on the starboard side, and Deck 11 starboard outside the Marquee Bar.

Most cruise lines have already banned smoking on cabin balconies for a few years, with only Costa Cruises remaining as an option for smoking guests who don’t want to use public smoking areas.

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Royal Caribbean has confirmed that one of the male stateroom attendants onboard Symphony of the Seas was arrested this week, after he was found to have placed hidden cameras in guests’ rooms.

The former attendant (he was fired immediately) has admitted the crimes and is now being detained while he awaits a trial for federal charges.

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a 34-year-old stateroom attendant from the Phillippines, was arrested when the cruise ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday 3rd March.

It’s alleged that Mirasol had placed cameras in several staterooms and had adjusted them depending on the guests staying in the room. The reports also state that he filmed “younger passengers” though it’s unclear whether this included children.

Mirasol has also admitted that he had, on “several occasions”, hidden under the beds in the staterooms while guests were showering.

A female guest discovered one of Mirasol’s cameras. She was cruising with two other female members of her family. She reported the camera to the security team, who quickly took action and detained Mirasol.

A search of his belongings found several videos, including some which showed him installing the cameras. He’s been working on the cruise ship since December 2023 but no further information has been released on how many videos he filmed during his three months on the ship.

It comes almost a year after a guest was arrested on sister ship Harmony of the Seas for installing a hidden camera in a public bathroom.

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The best P&O Cruises ship depends on who is travelling. For families and first-timers, the newest ships, Arvia (2022) and Iona (2021), have the most facilities and the most choice. Couples who want a resort-style ship without the 5,000-guest crowds often pick Britannia. If you want a calm, child-free cruise, the two adults-only ships, Aurora and Arcadia, are the obvious choice. Just check the dates first, because both are taking children on a small number of sailings in 2026–27. The fleet is also changing: in October 2026 Carnival announced that Arcadia will leave for Holland America Line in 2029 and that Cunard’s Queen Anne will join P&O under a new name.

How we compared the ships

This is not a “ranked by reviews” list. Review sites show star scores and review counts for every P&O ship. But those scores mix sailings from different years, refits and itineraries, so they are a poor way to rank ships that are 22 years apart in age. Instead, we compared the seven ships on things you can check:

• Age and class: newer ships usually have more modern cabins, more balconies and more venues.
• Size: guest numbers affect how busy the pool decks, buffets and theatres feel.
• Who the ship is for: family ship or adults-only.
• Itineraries: short breaks, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean fly-cruises or long grand voyages.

Ship details below are based on P&O Cruises and industry sources as of October 2026. Guest numbers are approximate, based on two people per cabin. Ships can carry more when they are full of families.

P&O Cruises fleet at a glance (2026)

The ships, one by one

Arvia (2022): the newest ship

Arvia is the newest ship in the fleet and, with Iona, the biggest, at around 184,000 gross tons and 5,200 guests. She is an Excel-class ship powered by LNG, like Iona. The main reasons to choose her are the wide choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment, and her winter Caribbean season. In 2026–27 she runs fly-cruises from Barbados, Antigua and St Kitts. The downside of a ship this size is the same as on any mega-ship: popular venues and pools get busy on sea days.

Iona (2021): the big family ship from Southampton

Iona is Arvia’s sister and much the same: lots of dining, a covered SkyDome pool and entertainment area, and plenty to keep teenagers and younger children busy. Most of her sailings go from Southampton, often to Norway and Northern Europe in summer. That makes her an easy no-fly choice for families. If fjords appeal, see our guide to a Norwegian fjords cruise from the UK.

Britannia (2015): the middle ground

At around 143,000 tons and 3,650 guests, Britannia sits between the newest giants and the older mid-size ships. She has a good range of restaurants and lounges and still welcomes families. Many passengers find her a happy compromise: newer and better equipped than Azura or Ventura, but with about 1,500 fewer guests than Iona or Arvia.

Azura (2010) and Ventura (2008): the mid-size family ships

These two Grand-class sisters each carry around 3,100 guests. They are family-friendly, with kids’ clubs, several pools and a big-ship feel without the newest ships’ scale. Because they are older, fares are often lower than on Iona or Arvia. That makes them good value for families who don’t need every new feature. Expect some cabins and public areas to feel more dated than on the newer ships, depending on when each area was last refurbished.

Arcadia (2005): adults-only, with a 2029 departure date

Arcadia is an adults-only Vista-class ship of about 84,000 tons and 2,100 guests. She is known for long voyages: her January 2027 world cruise runs to 106 nights. On 6 October 2026, Carnival UK announced that Arcadia will leave P&O in August 2029 and join Holland America Line. Her farewell season had not been announced at the time of writing. Arcadia cruises already on sale before the transfer are due to sail as planned. If you have wanted to sail on her as a P&O ship, 2027–29 is the time.

Aurora (2000): the classic ship

Aurora is the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet, at about 76,000 tons and roughly 1,870 guests. She has a more traditional style and a loyal following among guests who prefer a quieter ship. She also sails longer itineraries, including a 75-night Grand Tour in January 2027. Aurora is not part of the 2029 fleet changes. Even so, she is now more than 25 years old, so check the line’s announcements if you are booking far ahead.

What’s changing: Queen Anne joins P&O in 2029

Cunard’s Queen Anne entered service in 2024 and is a Pinnacle-class ship of about 113,000 tons that carries around 3,000 guests. She stays with Cunard until after her 2028–29 World Voyage. She will then have an extensive refurbishment and a new name before joining P&O Cruises in May 2029. P&O says she will be a new class of ship for the line, with “a different scale, style of onboard experience and range of itineraries”. Her new name, her refit plans, her first itineraries and whether she will be adults-only or family-friendly had not been announced at the time of writing. When she arrives, P&O will still have seven ships, but its newest mid-size ship will replace one of its two adults-only ships.

Which P&O ship is the biggest?

Iona and Arvia are joint largest, each about 184,000 gross tons and 5,200 guests at two per cabin. They are among the biggest ships sailing from the UK. Britannia comes next, then Azura and Ventura, then Arcadia, with Aurora the smallest.

Best P&O ship for couples

It depends on the atmosphere you want:

• Quiet and child-free: Aurora or Arcadia. Avoid the selected family departures listed below.
• Lots to do, fewer crowds: Britannia, which has a good choice of restaurants and bars at around 3,650 guests.
• Newest everything, or Caribbean sun: Arvia. Couples may want to avoid school holidays, when she is busiest with families.

Best P&O ship for families

Iona and Arvia have the most for children and teenagers and the most cabin choice, including cabins for larger families. Iona suits no-fly holidays from Southampton. Arvia’s Caribbean fly-cruises suit winter half-term or Christmas trips. Azura and Ventura cost less and still have kids’ clubs and family facilities, and Britannia is a good choice for multi-generation groups. If you are thinking of a Caribbean trip, our guide to cruise deals for 2027 covers when to book.

Family sailings on the adults-only ships

In October 2025, P&O announced that guests of all ages can book a small number of Aurora and Arcadia sailings. These run from December 2026 to September 2027: 12 Aurora and 8 Arcadia departures, mostly short breaks and summer Northern Europe, Norway and Mediterranean cruises. All other sailings on both ships stay adults-only. If you want a cruise without children, check the cruise code with P&O or your agent before you book. If you are a family who likes smaller ships, these sailings are a new option.

Once you have picked a ship, our guide to Azura cabins to avoid explains which locations to skip and which cabins to book.

If you are still deciding between a cruise or Center Parcs for a family break, our side-by-side comparison covers costs for a family of four.

Once you have picked your ship, our guide to Iona cabins to avoid helps you choose the right cabin on P&O’s first Excel-class ship.

FAQs

What is the best P&O Cruises ship overall?

No single ship is best for everyone. Arvia is the newest and best equipped, Britannia is a popular middle ground, and Aurora and Arcadia suit adults who want a quieter cruise.

Is Arcadia leaving P&O Cruises?

Yes. Arcadia is due to leave P&O in August 2029 and join Holland America Line, after a farewell season that has not yet been announced. Cruises already on sale before then are due to sail as planned.

What will Queen Anne be called with P&O?

The new name had not been announced at the time of writing. She is due to join P&O in May 2029 after a major refurbishment.

Which P&O ships are adults-only?

Aurora and Arcadia are adults-only on most sailings. Between December 2026 and September 2027, a small number of their departures are open to guests of all ages.

The Balmoral cabins to avoid are mainly the restricted-view cabins on Lido Deck 8 (lifeboats block part or all of the window), cabins directly below busy public spaces such as the pool deck, restaurants and the Neptune Lounge, and low, forward cabins on Marina and Coral decks if you are prone to seasickness. For most passengers, the safest choice is a midship cabin on Bridge Deck 9, which has cabins above and below it and no restricted views on the official deck plan.

Below, we go through the ship deck by deck using Fred. Olsen’s current deck plan, explain each cabin type, and flag the specific cabin numbers that the cruise line itself marks as restricted view.

Is Balmoral still sailing with Fred. Olsen?

Yes. As of November 2026, Balmoral is very much part of the fleet alongside Bolette and Borealis. She left Southampton on 30 September 2026 on a 71-night Mediterranean voyage returning on 10 December, then switches to no-fly round trips from Southampton to Northern Europe and the Canaries through to late April. Fred. Olsen has also scheduled her for Mediterranean and Canary Islands sailings in 2027 and for voyages in early 2028, including a 36-night Bermuda, Bahamas and Puerto Rico round trip from Portsmouth. There has been no announcement of a sale or retirement, though at almost 40 years old she is the oldest ship in the fleet, so it is worth keeping an eye on news if you are booking far ahead.

Balmoral at a glance

Balmoral is Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship, and that is a large part of her appeal. Many of her passengers are retired, and you can see why in our guide to the best cruises for over 50s. The age of the ship does matter when choosing a cabin, though. Some guests report creaking panels in older cabin blocks, and the layout has quirks that a newer ship would not.

Fred. Olsen Balmoral cabin types explained

Every cabin has a safe, smart TV, a drinks cooler, tea and coffee making facilities and an en-suite shower room, and some include a bathtub. Sizes below come from Fred. Olsen’s 2026 deck plan.

Single cabins

Balmoral is one of the better ships at sea for solo travellers, with single interiors, porthole and picture window singles, single balcony cabins and single balcony suites. Singles are spread across most cabin decks, so you can choose a location as carefully as a couple would rather than taking whatever is left.

Owner’s Suites and other suites

The two Owner’s Suites sit aft on Highland Deck 10, with the Premier, Marquee and Superior Suites running along the same deck. Suite guests are high up and close to the Spey and Avon restaurants, but read the noise notes below before choosing one at the aft end of the deck.

Balmoral cabins to avoid, deck by deck

1. Restricted-view cabins on Lido Deck 8

This is the big one. Fred. Olsen’s own deck plan marks most of the forward and aft cabin blocks on Lido Deck 8 as restricted view, because lifeboats and rescue equipment hang outside the windows. A number are marked fully restricted, meaning you will see very little of the sea at all:

• Fully restricted: 8022, 8023, 8024, 8025, 8038, 8039, 8040, 8041, 8042, 8043, 8073, 8074, 8075, 8076, 8084 and 8086.
• Partly restricted: most of the remaining forward cabins between 8007 and 8045, plus the aft block from 8061 to 8082.

These cabins are usually priced as ocean view, so they can be good value if you mainly sleep in your cabin, but do not book one expecting a sunrise view from bed. The midship section of Deck 8 (8046 to 8070) is not marked as restricted.

2. Cabins under the pool deck and sun loungers

On Highland Deck 10, the suites roughly from 1016 aft to 1030 sit beneath Marquee Deck 11’s swimming pool, jacuzzis and sun deck. Loungers being dragged around early in the morning and deck activity during the day can carry through the ceiling. Light sleepers paying suite prices may prefer the forward end of Deck 10.

3. Cabins below or beside restaurants

• Bridge Deck 9 aft (about 9078 to 9098): these sit below the Spey and Avon restaurants on Deck 10, where tables are set up for breakfast early and cleared late.
• Main Deck 6 aft (about 6095 to 6112): these are next to the Ballindalloch Restaurant, so expect more passing foot traffic around meal times.

4. Cabins below the theatre and bars

The forward Lido Deck 8 cabins sit above the Neptune Lounge on Lounge Deck 7, where the evening shows and late entertainment take place. On Main Deck 6, the cabins around the central atrium and lobby (roughly 6048 to 6063) are below the Lounge Deck 7 shops, the Bookmark Café and the Morning Light Pub, which can stay lively into the night.

5. Forward cabins on Bridge Deck 9

The cabins at the front of Bridge Deck 9 (about 9006 to 9023) sit beneath the Atlantis Spa and Fitness Centre. Early risers on treadmills are not usually loud, but dropped weights can be heard. These are also forward, so they move more in a swell.

6. Low and forward cabins on Marina and Coral decks

Marina Deck 3 and Coral Deck 4 are the lowest cabin decks. The porthole cabins at the bow (3002 to 3016 on Deck 3, 4001 to 4017 on Deck 4) feel the pitch of the ship most in rough water. That matters on Balmoral more than on a mega-ship, because she is small and many itineraries cross the Bay of Biscay or the North Sea. Low decks can also pick up engine and thruster noise, especially towards the stern, and Deck 3 is home to the medical centre.

7. Connecting cabins

The official deck plan marks connecting cabins with a separate symbol. They are handy for families or friends travelling together, but the connecting door lets more sound through than a solid wall. If you are not using the connection, ask your agent to avoid one.

Best cabins on Balmoral

1. Midship on Bridge Deck 9. The central stretch of Deck 9 (about 9024 to 9070) has cabins above and below, no restricted views on the official plan, and sits close to the lifts. This is where we would point most first-time Balmoral guests.
2. Midship balcony junior suites on Lido Deck 8. The block from 8046 to 8070 avoids the restricted-view sections either side, with good space at 279 sq ft for the balcony junior suites.
3. Picture window cabins on Main Deck 6. None of the Deck 6 outside cabins is marked as restricted, and they are a deck below the main public rooms, which keeps you close to everything. Choose away from the atrium and the aft restaurant end for the quietest nights.
4. Atlantic Deck 5 midship. Low and central is the most stable place on any ship. The picture window and porthole cabins in the middle of Deck 5 suit anyone worried about seasickness.
5. Single cabins midship. Solo travellers should pick a single in the central section of Deck 5, 6 or 9 rather than taking a forward Deck 3 porthole single simply because it is cheapest.

Aft-facing cabins on Bridge Deck 9 (around 9078 to 9098) have their fans thanks to the wake views and bathtubs in many of them, but you trade that for the restaurants overhead.

Which is the best deck on Balmoral?

For most people, Bridge Deck 9 is the best deck on Balmoral. It is all cabins, it sits between Lido Deck 8 and Highland Deck 10 rather than under a pool or theatre, and none of its cabins is marked as restricted view. Atlantic Deck 5 is the runner-up for anyone who puts stability first. For a wider look at how deck choice affects motion, noise and convenience, see our guide to the best deck on a cruise ship for every type of cruiser.

Tips for using the Balmoral deck plan

• Check the symbols. On Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral deck plan, a plus sign means restricted view and a filled square means fully restricted. These are easy to miss on a small screen.
• Look up and down. Compare your cabin with the deck above and below. The deck plan shows public rooms clearly, and that is where most noise complaints come from.
• Ask about guarantee fares. A cheaper guarantee cabin can land you in a restricted-view Deck 8 cabin. If a view matters to you, pay for a named cabin.
• Look at the sister ships too. If Balmoral’s layout does not suit you, compare our guides to Borealis cabins to avoid and Bolette, which are newer and slightly larger.

FAQs

Which Balmoral cabins have restricted views?

Fred. Olsen’s deck plan marks most forward and aft cabins on Lido Deck 8 as restricted view because of lifeboats. Cabins 8022 to 8025, 8038 to 8043, 8073 to 8076, 8084 and 8086 are marked fully restricted.

Is Balmoral being retired by Fred. Olsen?

No retirement or sale has been announced. As of November 2026 Balmoral is sailing, and she has cruises scheduled through 2027 and into early 2028.

What is the best deck on Balmoral for seasickness?

A midship cabin on Atlantic Deck 5 or Main Deck 6 is the most stable choice. Avoid forward cabins on Marina Deck 3 and Coral Deck 4 if you are prone to seasickness.

Does Balmoral have single cabins?

Yes. Balmoral has more than 60 single cabins, from single interiors and porthole cabins to single balcony cabins and single balcony suites.

Where are the Owner’s Suites on Balmoral?

The two Owner’s Suites, 1023 and 1026, are on Highland Deck 10. Fred. Olsen’s 2026 deck plan lists them at 1,181 sq ft.

The main Borealis cabins to avoid are the fully restricted-view ocean view cabins on Deck 3, where lifeboats hang in front of the windows, and porthole cabins low down on Decks 1 and 2 if you want a proper view. Light sleepers should also be careful with cabins directly under the Lido Deck, cabins above or below the lounges and restaurants on Decks 4 and 5, and cabins with connecting doors. For the best cabins on Borealis, look at the aft-facing balcony suites on Decks 6 and 7, the Premier and Owner’s Suites on Deck 7, or one of the ship’s many dedicated single cabins.

Borealis at a glance

Borealis was built in 1997 as Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2020, alongside her sister ship Bolette. Fred. Olsen lists her at 61,849 gross tons, with 702 cabins and suites, around 1,299 guests at standard (double) occupancy and about 650 crew.

Two recent changes matter when you are choosing a cabin:

• Adults only: From 4 January 2026, every Borealis sailing is adults-only, so the usual worries about cabins near children’s clubs or family-heavy corridors no longer apply. Bolette and Balmoral stay family-friendly.
• Gratuities included: From 27 May 2026, gratuities are included in Borealis fares. That makes it easier to compare cabin grades on price.

Borealis sails mostly from UK ports such as Liverpool and Southampton, with the mix changing by season. That makes her a popular pick for Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK and winter Northern Lights voyages. Check the current programme with Fred. Olsen.

Fred. Olsen Borealis cabins: the main types

Cabins are on Decks 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. The public rooms are grouped on Decks 4 and 5 (restaurants, lounges, shops and the Neptune Lounge theatre) and on Decks 8 and 9 (pool, buffet, spa, gym, sports courts and the Observatory). The sizes below are approximate. Different sources quote slightly different figures, so check the exact cabin when you book.

Fewer than a third of cabins on Borealis have a balcony.

Single and accessible cabins

Borealis has more dedicated single cabins than most ships her size, with over 50 spread across interior, ocean view and balcony suite grades. That makes her a strong choice for solo travellers. She also has wheelchair-adapted cabins with roll-in showers in several grades: ocean view, terrace, balcony junior suite and premier suite.

Make sure you know the difference between “wheelchair adapted” and “part adapted”. Part-adapted cabins have grab rails and a shower seat but no extra floor space, so they do not suit wheelchair or scooter users. Fred. Olsen’s access team can confirm the details of a particular cabin before you pay a deposit.

Borealis cabins to avoid (and why)

No cabin on Borealis is truly bad. Most of what follows comes down to personal priorities. But these are the areas where people are most often disappointed.

1. Fully restricted-view cabins on Deck 3

Like other ships of her class, Borealis carries her lifeboats along the Promenade Deck (Deck 3). Several ocean view cabins there look straight onto a lifeboat, so you get daylight but little or no sea view. Fred. Olsen sells these as a separate “fully restricted” grade (CO), so they are clearly labelled and usually cheaper. They are fine if you only need natural light, but avoid them if watching the fjords from your bed matters to you. Other cabins along this stretch may also have partial views, so check the deck plan and ask your agent about the exact cabin.

2. Porthole cabins if you want a view

The porthole ocean view cabins on Decks 1 and 2 sit close to the waterline. The round window is small, the bathroom has a shower only, and in rough weather the view is often just spray. They are good value and steady in a swell, but not for scenery.

3. Cabins under the Lido Deck

Deck 7 sits directly below Deck 8, home to the pool, Lido Bar, the View buffet, Fresco and the spa. Cabins under the busiest parts of that deck can pick up scraping chairs, deck cleaning early in the morning and footsteps late in the day. Some forward Premier Suites are reported to sit under sunbathing areas where loungers get moved early. Before you book a Deck 7 cabin, open the Deck 8 plan and check what is directly above it.

4. Cabins next to the public decks

Deck 3 cabins sit below Deck 4, which holds the Neptune Lounge (forward), the Borealis Restaurant (aft) and the main lobby. Deck 6 cabins sit above Deck 5, with the upper tier of the Neptune Lounge, the Aurora Restaurant, the Morning Light Pub and the Piano Bar. On a traditional ship with steel decks, most sound is muffled. Still, if you go to bed early, a cabin above or below a lounge with late music, or near the restaurant service areas, is the one to avoid.

5. Terrace cabins if you value privacy

The terrace cabins on Deck 3 have sliding doors straight onto the walk-around promenade, with reserved loungers outside. Some guests love the fresh air; others dislike walkers passing their door. Treat them as a halfway house, not a true balcony.

6. Connecting cabins

Borealis has a good number of connecting cabins. Great for friends travelling together, but the connecting door lets through more sound than a solid wall. Light sleepers travelling as a couple should ask whether a cabin has a connecting door before confirming.

7. Far forward, high up or far aft if you get seasick

Movement is felt most at the front and top of the ship. If you are prone to seasickness, especially on North Sea or Bay of Biscay crossings, a midships cabin on a lower or middle deck is the safest choice. Cabins at the very ends of Deck 1 are also a long walk from the lifts, which may matter if you have limited mobility.

A note on smoking and balconies

Fred. Olsen was once known for allowing smoking on cabin balconies, and older reviews still mention it. The line’s current guest conduct policy is clear: smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are not allowed in any indoor area or on cabin balconies. They are only allowed in designated open-deck smoking areas. So you no longer need to worry about smoke drifting from a neighbour’s balcony.

The best cabins on Borealis

Aft-facing balcony suites

The aft-facing balcony junior suites on Decks 6 and 7 are among the most sought-after cabins on board. Their balconies look out over the wake, are more sheltered from the wind than side balconies, and on many routes catch the sunset. There are only a handful (Cruise Critic counts 16), so they go early. The trade-off is that you may feel a little more vibration from the engines and propellers than you would midships.

Premier and Owner’s Suites

For space, the Premier Suites on Deck 7 are a real step up. You get a king bed, a large sitting area, a whirlpool bath and a big balcony. At the top end, the Owner’s Suites (also called Olsen Suites) on Deck 7, behind the bridge, have separate living and dining areas, a dressing room and a guest toilet. Suite guests also get Fred. Olsen’s Suite Dreams package, which includes priority check-in, sparkling wine, canapés and laundry discounts. Check the current inclusions when you book.

Dedicated single cabins

Solo travellers on Borealis don’t have to pay a full double-occupancy fare for a twin cabin. The single interior, ocean view and single balcony suite grades are well designed, and the single balcony suites in particular are rare on other lines. If you are travelling alone, these are often the best value on board.

What is the best deck on Borealis?

For most guests, Deck 6 is the best all-rounder. It has a good mix of balcony suites, singles and interiors, it is one deck above the main lounges and restaurants, and it has the Lookout, a forward-facing observation area. Deck 7 is the premium choice for suite space, but it sits under the Lido Deck, so choose your cabin carefully. For a budget cabin with minimal motion, the midships sections of Decks 2 and 3 are hard to beat.

How to choose your Borealis cabin: a quick checklist

1. Match the cabin to the itinerary. On a fjords or Arctic cruise a balcony or a large picture window adds real value. On a short Northern Lights voyage, much of the action happens on the open deck at night, so an interior can make sense. Our guide to Northern Lights cruises from the UK explains what to expect.
2. Check above and below. Open the official deck plan on fredolsencruises.com and look at the decks above and below your cabin, not just the cabin itself.
3. Read the grade code. “CO” means fully restricted, “F” means porthole, and a “D” in the code usually means wheelchair adapted.
4. Ask about connecting doors and bathrooms. Some cabins have a bath and shower, others a shower only. Ask if it matters to you.
5. Think about walking distances. The ends of Decks 1 and 2 can be a long walk from the lifts. Ask for a cabin near the lifts if mobility is a concern.
6. Compare the price gap. With gratuities now included, look at the difference per night between grades. A small step up from a restricted-view cabin to a full view is often worth it.
7. Book early for the favourites. Aft suites, singles and adapted cabins are limited and sell first.

Borealis, with her traditional style and adults-only sailings, suits plenty of experienced cruisers. See our pick of the best cruises for over 50s from the UK for how she compares with other ships.

Once you have picked your cabin on Borealis, our guide to the Fred. Olsen drinks package explains what is already included in your fare and when an upgrade pays off.

Considering her sister ship? Our guide to Fred. Olsen Bolette cabins to avoid covers obstructed Promenade Deck cabins and the best grades to book.

If you are weighing up another Fred. Olsen ship, our guide to Fred. Olsen Balmoral cabins to avoid covers the restricted-view and potentially noisy cabins on the older Balmoral.

FAQs

Which cabins on Borealis have restricted views?

The ocean view cabins sold as ‘fully restricted’ (grade CO) on Deck 3, the Promenade Deck, look onto the lifeboats. Some other cabins along that deck may have partial views, so check the deck plan for your cabin before you book.

Can you smoke on your balcony on Fred. Olsen’s Borealis?

No. Fred. Olsen’s current guest conduct policy bans smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, inside the ship and on cabin balconies. They are only allowed in designated open-deck smoking areas.

Does Borealis have single cabins?

Yes. Borealis has more than 50 dedicated single cabins, including interior, ocean view and single balcony suite grades, which makes her a good choice for solo travellers.

Is Borealis adults only?

Yes. All Borealis sailings from 4 January 2026 are adults-only. Fred. Olsen’s Bolette and Balmoral remain family-friendly.

What is the best deck on Borealis for seasickness?

Choose a midships cabin on a lower or middle deck, such as Deck 2 or 3. Avoid cabins far forward and high up, where the ship’s movement is felt most.

Villa Vie Residences, a residential cruise line, has announced that it has now taken possession of the former MS Braemar and has begun the work to transform her into the Odyssey, a ship that will offer a 3.5 year cruise.

The ship cruised for British cruise line Fred. Olsen since 2001 but was recently retired, and it had been announced that Villa Vie Residences had purchased it for its world cruise. She is now spending 8 weeks in Belfast for an extensive refurbishment.

New amenities will be added including an observation deck, a new culinary centre, and a pickleball court, while the pool deck and all staterooms will also be given a complete overhaul.

Once she relaunches as Odyssey, the ship will embark from Southampton on a cruise lasting 1,301 days. Departing on 15th May 2024, she will ultimately visit 425 ports in almost 150 countries, including visits to 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World.

Guests can opt to purchase one of 17 individual sectors of the cruise, or they can pay for the entire voyage instead. Guests can also pay to own the cabin for this and future cruises.

The fact that the ship has now entered ownership with Villa Vie Residences will put guests at ease – some other residential cruise lines have attempted to get off the ground but ultimately folded, including one that cancelled the cruise just days before departure.

Now, though, passengers who’ve paid can start looking forward to one of the most exciting cruise itineraries ever – and there’s still time for others to join them.

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The post An Old Favourite Now In New Hands – Cruise Ship Undergoes Prep For An Epic Journey appeared first on Cruise Mummy.

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The short answer: Icon of the Seas is the newer, bigger and more family-focused ship, sailing week-long Caribbean cruises (from Miami until August 2027, then from Galveston, Texas). Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship that now runs short 3- and 4-night Bahamas getaways from Miami, usually for noticeably less money. If you want a full week on the newest hardware with a huge waterpark, pick Icon. If you want a long weekend on a giant ship at a lower price, Wonder is the easier fit.

Below is a detailed look at how the two Royal Caribbean ships compare as of October 2026, covering size, where they sail now and in 2027, neighborhoods, cabins, dining, pools and slides, shows and price.

Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas at a glance

So how big is Wonder of the Seas next to Icon? On paper the two ships are not far apart in length or guest numbers. The real gap is in tonnage, layout and age: Icon carries roughly 12,000 more gross tons on a similar footprint, and most of that extra volume went into open-air family spaces, the glass-roofed AquaDome and a much larger waterpark.

Where each ship sails in 2026 and 2027

Icon of the Seas: Miami now, Galveston from August 2027

For the rest of 2026 and the first half of 2027, Icon sails 7-night round trips from PortMiami, alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean routes. Every sailing includes a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Western itineraries typically call at Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, while Eastern routes rotate through islands such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan or Puerto Plata.

Royal Caribbean has announced that Icon will leave Florida on August 7, 2027, on a 9-night repositioning cruise and begin sailing from Galveston on August 16, 2027. From Texas it offers 6-, 7- and 8-night Western Caribbean cruises, with calls such as Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, and some 8-night trips adding CocoCay. That makes Icon the first Icon Class ship based outside Florida, which is good news for travelers in Texas and the central US who can drive to the port.

Wonder of the Seas: short Bahamas cruises from Miami

Wonder moved from Port Canaveral to PortMiami in late summer 2025 and switched to 3- and 4-night itineraries. These sailings visit Nassau and/or Perfect Day at CocoCay, with departures usually on Mondays and Fridays, so a weekend trip is easy to fit around work. At the time of writing, the published schedule keeps Wonder on these short Miami cruises through 2027 and into early 2028. Deployments can change, so check the Royal Caribbean website before you book.

Neighborhoods and onboard layout

Both ships divide their public spaces into eight themed “neighborhoods,” but the mix is different.

Icon of the Seas has Thrill Island (the waterpark, surf simulator and climbing wall), Chill Island (the main pool deck), Surfside (a family zone for young kids with a splash area, carousel and casual eateries), the AquaDome (a glass-domed space at the front of the ship), The Hideaway (an adults-only beach-club area with a suspended infinity pool), Central Park, the Royal Promenade and a larger Suite Neighborhood.

Wonder of the Seas follows the classic Oasis Class layout: Central Park, the Boardwalk (with its carousel and outdoor AquaTheater), the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place, the Youth Zone, Vitality Spa and Fitness, and the Suite Neighborhood. Wonder was the first ship in its class with a dedicated suite neighborhood.

The biggest practical difference is for families with small children. Surfside on Icon puts kid-friendly pools, food and play areas in one spot, so parents spend less time crossing the ship. Wonder still has plenty for kids, but its spaces are more spread out.

Cabins and suites

Both ships offer the usual Royal Caribbean mix of interior, oceanview, balcony and suite cabins, plus inward-facing balcony cabins overlooking Central Park. On Wonder the other inward-facing option looks over the Boardwalk; on Icon it looks over Surfside.

Icon added several cabin types not found on Wonder. These include Infinite Balconies (where a glass wall lowers to turn part of the room into a balcony), Surfside Family Suites designed for groups of up to four with a separate kids’ nook, and the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse with its own slide and private access to Surfside. Icon also has a larger number of rooms aimed at bigger families and groups.

Wonder has the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level family suite with a slide, and a wide choice of standard balcony cabins. For couples or friends booking a regular balcony on a short trip, there is little difference in how the rooms feel day to day.

Dining

Each ship has more than 20 places to eat and drink, with plenty of overlap. Both have the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, Park Cafe, Sorrento’s pizza and El Loco Fresh, plus specialty venues such as Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Hooked Seafood and Playmakers.

• Icon extras: AquaDome Market (a food-hall style spot with several included stalls), Pearl Cafe, Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites, plus the Empire Supper Club, a pricey multi-course dinner with live music.
• Wonder extras: 150 Central Park, Wonderland’s creative tasting menu, The Mason Jar for Southern comfort food, Johnny Rockets and the Solarium Bistro.

Icon tends to win on included casual food, while Wonder has a few well-liked specialty restaurants that Icon does not. Specialty dining and drinks packages cost extra on both ships, and prices vary by sailing.

Pools, slides and thrills

This is where Icon pulls ahead. Category 6, its waterpark on Thrill Island, has six slides, including record-setting drop and raft slides, and the ship has seven pools spread across Chill Island, Surfside and The Hideaway. There is also Crown’s Edge, a ropes-course style experience that hangs over the side of the ship (an extra charge).

Wonder has a solid pool deck with several pools and waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide that drops about ten decks, two FlowRider surf simulators, a zip line, mini golf and laser tag. It has fewer water slides than Icon, but still far more to do than most ships at sea, especially on a 3- or 4-night trip where time is short.

Shows and entertainment

Both ships deliver four main entertainment venues: a main theater, an aqua show venue, an ice rink and smaller lounges for comedy and music.

On Icon, the Royal Theater hosts a full Broadway-style production (The Wizard of Oz has been the headline show), the AquaDome stages acrobatic high-diving shows under a glass roof, and Absolute Zero is a large ice arena. Lounges include a dueling-piano bar, a jazz club and a comedy venue.

On Wonder, the Royal Theater has run productions such as Hairspray alongside original shows, the open-air AquaTheater on the Boardwalk hosts high-diving performances, and Studio B hosts ice shows. Show line-ups can change, so check the daily planner or app once you are booked.

On a short Wonder sailing you may not have time to see everything, so reserving shows in the app before you board is worthwhile on both ships.

Typical price difference

Prices change constantly, but the pattern is consistent. At the time of writing, late-2026 Wonder cruises from Miami start from roughly $450-$850 per person for an interior cabin on many 3- and 4-night dates, with holiday sailings higher. Icon’s 7-night Miami cruises usually cost well over $1,000 per person for an interior, often closer to $1,500-$2,000 in busy periods, and 8-night Galveston sailings in late 2027 have been advertised from around $1,200 per person. Taxes, fees and gratuities are extra on both.

Per night, Icon generally costs more than Wonder because demand for the newest ship stays high. For timing tips and current offers, see our guide to cruise deals in 2027.

Who should pick which ship?

Choose Icon of the Seas if you:

• Want a full week (or 6-8 nights from Texas) with plenty of sea days to enjoy the ship
• Are traveling with young children who will love Surfside and the waterpark
• Want the newest cabin types, such as Infinite Balconies or family suites
• Live near Galveston and would rather drive than fly from late 2027

Choose Wonder of the Seas if you:

• Want a short break or a first taste of cruising on a mega-ship
• Prefer to spend less, both in total and per night
• Like the Boardwalk, open-air AquaTheater and specialty restaurants such as Wonderland
• Want an easy weekend departure from Miami

For where these two sit in the fleet, see our full list of Royal Caribbean ships by age.

Thrill seekers should read our guide to the Icon of the Seas waterslides, including height limits and tips for avoiding queues.

Our list of complimentary dining on Icon of the Seas shows where you can eat well without a specialty charge.

FAQs

Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Wonder of the Seas?

Yes. Icon measures about 248,663 gross tons against Wonder’s roughly 236,857, and it is a few feet longer. Wonder actually carries slightly more guests at double occupancy, but Icon has a higher maximum capacity because of its many family cabins.

How big is the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship?

Wonder of the Seas measures about 236,857 gross tons and about 1,188 feet (362 m) long, with around 2,867 staterooms and 5,734 guests at double occupancy (up to around 7,000 with every berth filled). It was the world’s largest cruise ship when it launched in 2022, until Icon of the Seas took the title in 2024. For every Royal Caribbean ship side by side, see our Royal Caribbean ships by size chart.

Where does Wonder of the Seas sail from in 2026 and 2027?

Wonder sails from PortMiami on 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and is scheduled to stay there through 2027. Always confirm with Royal Caribbean, as deployments can change.

Is Icon of the Seas leaving Miami?

Yes. Icon is due to reposition from Florida on August 7, 2027, and start 6- to 8-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, on August 16, 2027.

Which ship is better for a first cruise?

Wonder is often the easier choice for a first cruise because its short sailings cost less and let you try a mega-ship without a full week’s commitment. If you already know you want a longer holiday, Icon offers more to do over seven nights.

The Icon of the Seas is making waves (sorry) for its amazing onboard features. As the biggest ship in the world, it is packed with things to see and do, as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and more.

But despite everything there is to do on board, a cruise is about the experience as well as the ship. What matters just as much, for many people, is where the ship is sailing to, and where it departs from as well. So, let’s take a look…

Where Does Icon of the Seas Sail To?

Icon of the Seas sails to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Itineraries almost always include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay – the private resort owned by Royal Caribbean, with a new adults-only beach opening for the ship’s launch.

While the itineraries will vary throughout the year, CocoCay will be almost ever-present on the Icon of the Seas route.

Guests will be able to enjoy everything that the island has to offer, including the Thrill waterpark with its 13 water slides, including the tallest in North America (although with Icon featuring six amazing water slides of her own, you might be all waterslided-out).

There’s also the Coco Beach Club, which has the first over-water cabanas in the Bahamas, although expect demand for these to be high – try to book early if you can. If you want the best views, you’ll want to book on the Up, Up & Away excursion with a helium balloon adventure.

CocoCay is also opening the new Hideaway Beach. This will be an adults-only oasis and will include its own large pool, and private cabanas with their own pools too. Again, expect this to be very popular.

One itinerary doesn’t sail to CocoCay, but instead sails to Labadee, which is Royal Caribbean’s private Haitian resort.

There are seven Icon of the Seas itinerary 2024 & 2025 options that are offered:

7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico  > Roatan, Honduras > Cozumel, Mexico > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis > Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico  > Cozumel, Mexico > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Philipsburg, St Maarten  > Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic > Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas > San Juan, Puerto Rico > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Miami > Philipsburg, St Maarten  > San Juan, Puerto Rico > Labadee, Haiti > Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay

Miami > Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas > San Juan, Puerto Rico > Perfect Day at CocoCay > Miami

Unless you have a specific port of these that you really want to visit, the experiences at the Icon of the Seas destinations will be relatively similar – expect a vibrant and welcoming culture, plenty of great bars, expansive beaches that are great for the kids and some unique gift shops. 

Obviously, each does have some unique excursions and cultural landmarks, so it’s worth researching the ports first if you can’t decide on a specific date.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…

Where Does Icon of the Seas Sail From?

Icon of the Seas sails from Miami year-round. Most of Royal Caribbean’s larger ships tend to offer winter seasons around North America, and summer seasons in Europe, but Icon will be based in Miami permanently, at least initially.

The Icon of the Seas home port is Port Miami. The ship sails from Terminal A, which is the largest cruise terminal in the USA and is perfectly suited to host the largest cruise ship in the world.

There’s always the chance that plans could change – that’s the beauty of cruise ships, they can be moved. Royal Caribbean may shake things up and bring Icon of the Seas to Europe or Asia in future. But initially, the ship will call Miami its home for the entire year.

Miami is already the busiest cruise port in the world, so it’s no surprise that the largest ship in the world will also choose this city as its home port. Just bear in mind how many people may be travelling to the port on your departure day, and allow enough time to get there.

When Does Icon of the Seas Sail?

Icon of the Seas sails all year round since she launched in January 2024. There won’t be any downtime – guests can book a cruise from Miami to the Caribbean at any time of the year, including over Christmas.

You should be aware that the Caribbean does have a hurricane season that runs from early June to late October. This could impact your itinerary, if you decide to cruise on Icon of the Seas during these months.

You’ll be perfectly safe – all modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced tech to help them avoid storms. But it could mean that some days in port have to be cancelled, or your itinerary re-arranged, if the weather blocks the ship from docking.

Read more: What Happens If There Is A Hurricane While On A Cruise?

Of course, there isn’t a better ship in the world for this to happen on – it’s not like you’ll be bored having to spend another day on Icon!

Even if you miss CocoCay, you still get an incredible resort experience on your ship. You might just have to make do with 6 waterslides instead of the 13 on the island.

Icon of the Seas’ Maiden Voyage

The inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas was set for 27th January, 2024 from Miami. Before this, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland with delivery of the ship taking place in late 2023.

The early sailings were extremely popular. People love to be one of the first to cruise on any ship – never mind the fact that it’s a Royal Caribbean ship, which is always a popular choice, and it’s the biggest in the world.

If you don’t book early, you might find that the ship sells out fast, even with the capacity for 7,600 guests. But if you do want to sail on Icon of the Seas, you hopefully won’t have to wait too long to find a date that works for you.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…

To Conclude

Choosing to base Icon of the Seas in the Caribbean all year round is not a huge surprise from Royal Caribbean, especially with the money that’s been invested in turning CocoCay into the amazing resort that it is.

If you’re looking to book a cruise on Icon of the Seas, you know that you’ve got one home port to contend with, and it’s mostly about finding a date that works for you – unless you have a specific Mexican or Caribbean destination you want to tick off your list.

And if you were hoping to sail in Europe on Icon of the Seas, there’s always the second and third Icon-class ships yet to be revealed – there’s a good chance one of those will be stationed on the eastern side of the Atlantic, at least for part of the year.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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In the Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas choice, trip length and travel style matter more than size. Utopia is a party-friendly Oasis-class ship built for 3- and 4-night Bahamas getaways from Port Canaveral. Icon is the larger, family-focused Icon-class ship sailing 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami, with a bigger waterpark, more pools and the three-deck Ultimate Family Townhouse. If you have a long weekend, pick Utopia. If you have a full week and children, pick Icon.

Both ships debuted in 2024, both stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and both have more than 20 places to eat. That’s why they get compared so often. Onboard, though, they feel quite different. Below we compare them on size, neighborhoods, cabins, dining, nightlife, thrills, itineraries and price, and we cover the 2026-27 changes that could affect your booking, including Star of the Seas, the new Legend of the Seas and Icon’s planned move to Texas.

Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas at a glance

Figures vary slightly from source to source (gross tonnage in particular), so treat these as close approximations rather than exact measurements.

Which is bigger, Utopia or Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is bigger. It’s heavier by roughly 12,000 to 15,000 gross tons, a little longer and taller, and it has the higher maximum guest capacity. Utopia is actually slightly wider, and it has about 30 more staterooms, which is why some sources describe it as “a little larger” on that one measure. When people compare Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas on size, the more useful question is how full each ship feels.

Most reviewers who have sailed both say Icon feels more open. It has wide indoor spaces, the glass AquaDome at the front and a bright, airy upper-deck pool area. Utopia keeps the classic Oasis layout, where the Royal Promenade, Central Park and the Boardwalk are long, enclosed corridors. Those spaces have plenty of character, but they can feel busy on a full weekend sailing. For a fleet-wide view of how these two rank, see our Royal Caribbean ships by size comparison chart.

Neighborhoods and onboard layout

Both ships have eight neighborhoods, but only three of them overlap in a meaningful way.

Shared on both ships

• Central Park: a garden open to the sky, with quieter restaurants and bars.
• The Boardwalk: a carousel, casual food and a seaside-pier feel.
• Royal Promenade: the indoor “main street” with bars, shops and parades.
• Suite Neighborhood: a private sun deck, lounge and Coastal Kitchen restaurant for suite guests.

Only on Icon of the Seas

• Thrill Island: the Category 6 waterpark, the Crown’s Edge ropes course and Adrenaline Peak climbing wall.
• Surfside: a neighborhood for families with young children, with a splash zone, a carousel and its own casual eateries.
• Chill Island: several pools, including the Royal Bay pool, and the swim-up Swim and Tonic bar.
• AquaDome: a glass-enclosed space at the bow with a food hall, bars and an indoor AquaTheater.
• The Hideaway: an adults-only area with a suspended infinity pool and a DJ, aimed at people who want a party atmosphere.

The trade-off: Utopia keeps a traditional glass-roofed Solarium at the front of the ship, a calm adults-only retreat many Oasis-class fans love. Icon has no quiet Solarium. Its adults-only area is livelier. If you want somewhere peaceful to read with a sea view, Utopia arguably does that better. Our Icon class vs Oasis class guide explains the design differences in more depth. This article sticks to which of these two ships to book.

Cabins: family townhouses vs Solarium Suites

Cabins are where the two ships differ most for families.

Icon of the Seas cabins

• Infinite Balconies: Royal Caribbean’s first cabins where the glass wall drops down so the room and balcony become one space. If you prefer a classic open-air balcony, Icon has those too.
• Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies: a separate bunk nook for children with its own TV.
• Surfside Family Suites: split bathrooms and a kids’ room, steps from Surfside’s splash zone.
• Ultimate Family Townhouse: a three-deck suite with an in-suite slide, a cinema room, karaoke, a terrace with a hot tub and a private door to Surfside. It’s one of the most expensive accommodations at sea.

Utopia of the Seas cabins

• Solarium Suites: two suites above the bridge wings with about 280-degree forward views. They’re only found on Utopia.
• Ultimate Family Suite: a two-level suite for up to 10 guests with a slide, in-suite cinema and whirlpool.
• Royal Loft and Crown Loft Suites: two-story lofts, some with connecting doors for larger groups.
• Refreshed interiors: standard staterooms with updated designs, including Central Park and Boardwalk-view balconies that look inward over the ship’s neighborhoods.

For a family of four or five, Icon’s dedicated family categories usually work better than Utopia’s standard cabins, which often mean sharing a sofa bed. Couples on a short trip won’t miss much on Utopia.

Restaurants and bars

Both ships include the usual Royal Caribbean dining: the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi, Playmakers and more. The differences are in the signature venues.

• Utopia only: Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a themed train-carriage dinner with a multi-course meal and moving scenery outside the “windows.” There’s also The Spare Tire food truck, a two-story Giovanni’s overlooking the Boardwalk and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar.
• Icon only: the AquaDome Market food hall, Pier 7, Pearl Cafe, the Surfside Eatery, the Empire Supper Club (an intimate, multi-course evening with live music) and the Celebration Table for private parties.
• Bars on Icon: Icon has the broader bar line-up, including Dueling Pianos, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, the swim-up bar, Rye and Bean coffee and cocktails, Bubbles champagne bar and The Lemon Post.

Royal Railway and the Empire Supper Club carry a surcharge and get booked up quickly. On a 3-night Utopia sailing you only have three evenings to fit everything in, so it pays to reserve speciality dining before you board.

Entertainment, nightlife and thrills

Utopia is designed as a fun, high-energy weekend ship. Its line-up has included the high-diving AquaTheater show Aqua80Too, the ice show Youtopia and the Royal Theater show All In!, plus adult comedy in The Attic. Icon moves the AquaTheater indoors under the AquaDome and adds ice shows on Absolute Zero, a full Broadway-style production in the Royal Theater and more live music venues. Show line-ups rotate, so check your sailing’s daily planner closer to the date.

For thrills, Icon clearly wins. Category 6 has six waterslides, including an open free-fall slide and family raft slides, and Crown’s Edge has you walking a ropes course over the side of the ship. Utopia still has plenty: the 10-deck Ultimate Abyss dry slide, The Perfect Storm waterslides, the FlowRider, a zip line, rock-climbing walls, laser tag and mini golf. For teens who love waterslides, the difference is noticeable. If you’re comparing Icon to another Oasis-class ship, our Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas comparison covers that matchup.

Itineraries and homeports for 2026-27

Utopia of the Seas sails year-round from Port Canaveral, about an hour from Orlando, on 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises. Almost every sailing visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, usually paired with Nassau. Royal Caribbean has said Utopia will keep this short-cruise schedule through 2027-28.

Icon of the Seas sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, with CocoCay on every itinerary and ports such as Cozumel, Roatán, Costa Maya, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. One change most comparison articles miss: Royal Caribbean plans to move Icon to Galveston, Texas, in August 2027, with 6-, 7- and 8-night Western Caribbean cruises from there. If you want Icon from Miami, look at sailings before summer 2027.

Where Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas fit in

• Star of the Seas (Icon class, 2025) sails 7-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, the same port as Utopia. Florida drivers can choose between two Icon-class-style experiences without flying to Miami. If you’re weighing Utopia of the Seas vs Star of the Seas, the decision is really a weekend cruise vs a week-long one from the same terminal.
• Legend of the Seas (Icon class, 2026) was delivered in June 2026, sailed the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome this summer and moves to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean cruises from late 2026. It adds new touches such as the Hollywoodland Supper Club and a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory stage show.
• Wonder of the Seas (Oasis class) also runs 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises from Miami, a useful alternative to Utopia if Miami is easier for you to reach.

Price and value: which ship is the better deal?

Utopia almost always costs less in total because the cruise is shorter. Interior cabins often start in the low hundreds per person. But Utopia’s per-night price can match or even beat Icon’s, especially on summer, spring break and holiday weekends, because demand for short Orlando-area cruises is high. Icon has been one of Royal Caribbean’s most expensive ships per night since it launched, and family suites and the Townhouse sell out early.

Some practical value tips:

1. Compare per-night prices, not totals. A $700 three-night Utopia fare is about $233 a night. That can make a $1,400 seven-night Icon fare (about $200 a night) the better buy.
2. Add up the extras. Taxes, gratuities, drink packages and Wi-Fi are charged per day, so a longer cruise adds more on top. For a cheap first taste of a mega-ship, Utopia’s shorter trip keeps those costs down.
3. Book family cabins early. Icon’s family categories are limited, so on popular weeks they can sell out a year ahead.
4. Consider Star or Legend. If Icon is priced too high, Star of the Seas or Legend of the Seas offers a similar experience and sometimes costs less.

Which should you book?

Choose Utopia of the Seas if you have three or four days, live within driving distance of Orlando, are celebrating with friends, are trying a cruise for the first time or want a calm adults-only Solarium. It’s also a good way to see whether you like mega-ship cruising before booking a full week.

Choose Icon of the Seas if you’re travelling with children or teens, want the biggest waterpark and pool deck afloat, need a family cabin with separate sleeping space or simply want a full week with more sea days to enjoy the ship. If you sail Icon after mid-2027, plan around a Galveston departure rather than Miami.

Either way, both ships reliably deliver a lot to do, and you’ll spend at least one day at CocoCay. Prices and itineraries change often, so check the current schedule on Royal Caribbean’s official site before you book.

If you are keeping costs down, here are the free places to eat on Icon of the Seas without paying extra.

Utopia is the newest of its class, and our guide to all six Oasis Class ships compared explains how it differs from its sisters.

Also weighing up Icon’s newer sister? Our Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas comparison covers the Icon-class ship that sails from Port Canaveral.

FAQs

What is Utopia of the Seas and how does it differ from Icon?

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s sixth Oasis-class ship, launched in July 2024 for short 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral. Icon of the Seas is the first, larger Icon-class ship, with a bigger waterpark, seven pools, more family cabins and 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

What is bigger, Utopia or Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is bigger by gross tonnage, length and maximum guest capacity. Utopia is slightly wider and has about 30 more staterooms, but overall Icon is the larger ship.

Is Utopia of the Seas cheaper than Icon of the Seas?

Usually, in total, because Utopia’s cruises are only 3 or 4 nights. Per night, Utopia can be just as expensive as Icon on busy weekends, so compare nightly rates before deciding.

Is Icon of the Seas staying in Miami?

Icon sails from Miami until summer 2027. Royal Caribbean plans to reposition it to Galveston, Texas, in August 2027 for 6- to 8-night Western Caribbean cruises.

What is so special about Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia is the line’s dedicated short-getaway ship. Its signature extras include the Royal Railway themed dining experience, the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, a two-story Giovanni’s and forward-facing Solarium Suites, all on quick trips that almost always visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.